Epidemiology of sexual dysfunction: the role of psychosocial factors

Abstract

Objective The aim of the present paper is to review recent studies on the epidemiology of sexual problems and analyze the role of demographic and psychosocial factors on the different dimensions of sexual functioning in men and women. Method A total of 566 participants (263 females and 303 males from the Portuguese population) answered the Female Sexual Function Index and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Results MANCOVAS were used to test the role of demographic variables: age, education, and marital status, on sexual functioning in men and women. For men, findings indicated a significant statistical effect of the three demographic variables on sexual functioning, whereas for women only age showed a significant main effect. The post-hoc comparisons (Tukey test- HSD) indicated that age was negatively associated with male sexual functioning (mainly desire, and erection), married men presented significantly higher sexual functioning, and less educated men presented significantly lower sexual functioning (specifically erection and orgasm). Regarding women, findings indicated a tendency with age for increased lubrication difficulties and less satisfaction (specifically after the age 60), and a trend for decreased sexual pain (women older 40 with lower pain compared to younger). Conclusions Findings indicated that demographic factors play a role on sexual functioning. However the patterns of association may differ for men and women, and also for specific dimensions of sexual function. The potential moderator and mediator role of psychosocial factors (e.g., sexual beliefs, psychopathology, health) will also be discussed.